A Full-Circle Moment of God’s Grace

Six years ago, in July 2019, I surrendered my life to the Lord while in the Men’s Residence program at the Christian Care Center. Just a month later, I was baptized at the church’s outdoor baptism service—a moment that marked the beginning of a new life in Christ. Since then, God has transformed my life, guiding me through the program, opening doors to preach, and leading me to graduate from The Baptist University of Florida with a degree in Ministry Studies. Today, I serve as Assistant Director at the very place where God first rescued me.

On August 11th, I experienced a full-circle moment: I had the privilege of baptizing three men from our program in the same pool where I was baptized six years ago. Watching them publicly declare their faith reminded me of my own first step of obedience. As Romans 6:4 says, “We were buried therefore with Him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead... we too might walk in newness of life.” These baptisms are just the beginning of what God wants to do in their lives.

As I watched them step into the water, I was reminded of Paul’s words: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come” (2 Corinthians 5:17). Just as God made me new in Christ six years ago, He is now doing that same transforming work in them. This is the power of the gospel—changing hearts, renewing minds, and setting men free.

I’m deeply grateful to our church family and supporters for your prayers, encouragement, and faithful investment in the Men’s Center. Your love and commitment make moments like these possible. Every prayer, every meal, every word of encouragement—God uses it all to reach and restore men like me, and like those we recently baptized.

Please continue to pray for these three men as they begin their walk with Christ. Pray that their faith grows deep, that they remain steadfast, and that one day they’ll help lead others to the same Savior who met us all by those waters of baptism.

To God be the glory, Bud Norton